INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
In today’s world a public figure can be vilified on social media for a single ill-judged word. Imagine how the twitterati of Jesus’ day would have reacted to his many tough and provocative sayings.
Jesus appears unconcerned about how his words might offend his listeners or be misunderstood. He feels free to tell stories that incorporate characters who are ruthless and punitive, like the master of today’s parable. He’s prepared to run the risk of us attributing these characteristics to the God he proclaims as ‘Abba, Father’.
He’s happy to create enough cognitive dissonance to shake us out of complacency and get us thinking more deeply about his message. He’s looking for enlightened discipleship, not starry-eyed infatuation or blind obedience.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For young Australian Catholics, that God’s Spirit will raise them up to be bold and enterprising proclaimers of the good news.
SAMPLE INTERCESSIONS
These intercessions are offered for selected use at Sunday Mass in the parish alongside those that express local needs and concerns.
PRESIDER
Dear friends, Jesus dares his disciples to risk investing their whole selves in the work of the kingdom. May the prayers we now pray be a pledge of our determination to follow him.
READER
We pray for the 700 million human beings judged to be living in extreme poverty, that today’s World Day of the Poor (19 November) will bear fruit in a just sharing of the world’s goods. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Pope Francis, that his call for a church of the poor, with the poor and for the poor will be heard and heeded by the whole people of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the children of all nations, that tomorrow’s World Children’s Day (20 November) will advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for women in church and society, that they will have the freedom to develop their gifts and skills and enhance the life of the community. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for people of influence in the world of business and finance, that they will act with integrity and in service of the common good. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the multitude of gun-owning citizens around the world, that they will resolve to never use their weapons in hate or anger but only to preserve peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for young people suffering mental health distress, that they will be able to access support services when they need them. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for families grieving the death of loved ones in road traffic accidents, that their pain and loss will convince drivers to take responsibility for driving safely. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased, . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will be reborn in heavenly glory. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of mercy, in your goodness you have made us children of light and children of the day. Help us walk always in the light of Christ. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord.
Image: Young Catholics at World Youth Day, Lisbon, August 2023. By Julian Butler SJ.